“McGoldrick’s Thread” at Theatre 80
“McGoldrick’s Thread” at Theatre 80
Book by Marianne Driscoll
Lyrics by Marianne Driscoll and Eliot Riskin
Music by Ronnie D’Addario
Irish Dance Music by Patrick Mangan
Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza
Theatre Reviews Limited
One of the many facets of Origin’s 1st Irish Festival is the little jewel “McGoldrick’s Thread” which shines with family values that are steeped in Irish tradition. It carries a heartfelt message that is timeless and delivers it with the help of some high spirited Irish dancing and sentimental songs. The story is simple with an old theme. There can be some definite improvement in the book and dialogue, but they serve the purpose and the story captures the audience in an endearing way. The music and lyrics could soar with a more sophisticated approach to vocal and instrumental arrangements but for now they lack the necessary complexity to achieve the maximum dramatic punch. The entire cast transcends the material and provides the necessary elements for a fine evening of entertainment that is filled with pride in the Irish heritage.
Elizabeth West captures the hardships of an Irish immigrant and the love of family sincerely with honest facial expression at every turn as she yearns for her homeland. Peter Cormican delights the audience with his pure vocal tenor and well defined character. Paul Nuget, John Charles McLaughlin and Conor McIntyre provide great comic relief and handle their close harmonies with ease producing a mesmerizing sound that is bright and beautiful. Casey Murray as Magee delivers a believable performance supported by some excellent dancing. The driving force of the evening are Garrett Coleman and Jason Oremus with their incredible dancing that is precise, powerful and packed with pride. The entire ensemble is tight and well disciplined, which allows the audience to settle into a comfort zone, becoming part of the family, part of the traditions and a chance to share in the encompassing pride. Go share their emotional journey.
MCGOLDRICK’S THREAD
MCGOLDRICK’S THREAD stars Casey Murray as Magee, Elizabeth West as Marion, Peter Cormican as PJ, Paul Nugent as William, Conor McIntyre as Shane, John Charles McLaughlin as Thomas, Garrett Coleman as Eddie Callahan, Jason Oremus as Mr. Duffy and Jesse Driscoll as Golden Fiddle. The ensemble includes Mairead Brown, Declan Byrne, Jessica Byrne, Sean Crosby, Hayleigh Jusas, CiaranO'Brien, Sheppard Somers, and Natalie Vestergom.
The production, which was incubated at the cell: A Twenty First Century Salon™ (Nancy Manocherian, Founding Director; Kira Simring, Artistic Director) features scenic design by Carl Tallent, costume design by Rachel Guilfoyle (with additional Irish Dance Dress Design by Mary Collins and Danielle O’Leary and Dream Dance Costume Artwork Designed and Painted by Jane Rubinstein), and lighting design by Michael Megliola. Thomas Kennedy is the sound designer, Micah Havertape is the audio engineer, Joe Barros is the choreographer, Brian Reager is the assistant director, Christian Steckel is the assistant stage manager and Mackenzie Meeks is the stage manager.
MCGOLDRICK’S THREAD plays the following schedule: Tuesday, September 24 at 7pm; Wednesday, September 25th at 7pm - SOLD OUT; Saturday, September 28th at 2pm - SOLD OUT; Sunday, September 29th at 2pm - SOLD OUT; and Sunday, September 29th at 6pm - SOLD OUT. Tickets are $18 and are currently sold-out, additional performances may be added. Running Time: 90 minutes.
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 | Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 |
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